Popular Stories

Property Listings

A NEW agreement between Australia and the Philippines is expected to provide more opportunities for Australian horticulture exporters.

Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig said the agreement was the result of significant collaboration by federal and state agriculture departments as well as horticulture exporters.

"Australian horticulture exports to the Philippines have been low but these new arrangements make it easier to access the Philippines, with a population of nearly 100 million people," Senator Ludwig said.

"Previous cold treatment requirements were unattractive to exporters, but the new arrangements allow for cold treatment to occur in transit. The Philippines has also accepted new, more effective, cold treatment schedules that will ensure product arrives at this important market in a much better condition.

"Improvements and flexibility agreed to by both countries will help reduce the cost of exporting product to the Philippines and facilitate increased fruit exports."

Summerfruit Australia Limited's John Moore said the outcome was a significant boost for horticulture and our economy," said

Citrus Australia Limited's Andrew Harty said the Australian citrus industry was keen to take advantage of the new conditions and was looking forward to working with DAFF and other agencies to strengthen our position to trade internationally.

The Philippines has also accepted Australia's reforms to export certification, including the use of authorised officers to supervise cold treatments and conduct export inspections.

"Australia is also the first country allowed to cold-treat produce while in-transit to the Philippines," Sen Ludwig said.

"This demonstrates confidence the Philippines has in the quality of Australia's export product and Australia's world-class export certification system."